Claiming Compensation for Long-term Cauda Equina Disability
The permanent challenges of cauda equina syndrome can be eased with a successful compensation claim if negligent medical care has played its part.
Cauda equina disability
Complete cauda equina syndrome is not a temporary condition. Unfortunately, an individual whose cauda equina nerves have lost their ability to function is likely to suffer permanent lower body function losses such as the following:
- Loss of bladder sensation and control
- Loss of bowel sensation and control
- Loss of sexual function
- Reduced mobility or loss of mobility
Such a debilitating combination of symptoms entirely changes the way in which a person lives their life, with a significant emphasis having to be placed on the practical issues raised by such reduced functionality. Facilitating movement and safe navigation around one's home is only the beginning. Managing one's bowel and bladder function can become the focus of the day, affecting an individual's willingness to leave the home and their capacity to work and earn an income. Instead of providing support for their loved ones, a person may find themselves reliant on the support of others.
The psychological impact and the need for mental adjustment to a new future can be a significant challenge.
If such a distressing outcome is found to be due to the negligence of medical professionals, the emotional impact can be all the greater.
Medical negligence and claiming compensation
If a patient suffers a worse outcome following negligent medical care than would have been the case with an appropriate level of care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation for the consequences of that negligence.
In the case of cauda equina syndrome, where a delay of a day can leave a patient with far worse function losses than with earlier diagnosis and surgery, a successful compensation claim can address issues such as a loss of income and the costs of care or the need for altered accommodation if such is the outcome of the negligence.
A prompt medical response is vital in the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina compression and negligent care, such as the following, can have a very dramatic impact:
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A failure to make a thorough assessment of the patient
- A failure to make a timely referral
- A failure to provide red flag warnings when appropriate
- A delay in initiating surgery to decompress the nerves
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in high-value cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, if you or a loved one are struggling with the consequences of cauda equina negligence.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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